[Archived] News Article -> 2012/13 Full-Time: Rovers 1 Middlesbrough 2

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Rovers have suffered their first league defeat of the season after a disappointing home performance against Middlesbrough. Rovers were lethargic and sloppy throughout and a double from Jutkiewicz meant that the current league-leaders are unlikely to be top of the table at the end of the weekend.

Rovers started well, but were hit on the break in the 7th minute when Jutkiewicz flicked on a long ball before running onto Emnes' through ball and firing past Robinson at the goalkeepers' near post. 'Boro were lifted by the goal and quickly became dominant, controlling midfield, streaming forward and regularly causing difficulties for the Rovers' back-line.

The second half started in a similar fashion to the first, with the home side looking to assert themselves and trying to find an equaliser, but yet again Jutkiewicz found the net just as Rovers were starting to find their feet. Sloppy defending led to his first, but his second was a fine header.

Rovers have been used to coming from behind in recent weeks and they did start to apply some pressure after going two behind, but, despite half-chances for Etuhu and Nunes and decent chances for Rhodes and Dann, they were not able to get a goal back until the 89th minute when Nunes' good cross was met by Hanley from close range.

It looked as though Rovers should have been awarded a penalty just after when Hoyte caught Rhodes in the box, but the referee only awarded a corner. Injury time saw Rovers camped in the 'Boro box and plenty of pressure, but they were unable to get back on level terms.

The result will be a major disappointment to the club and its supporters, but the more worrying aspect will have been the performance. Early season form had been covering up for poor play, but there were few positives to take from this match.

The small crowd were quiet for the majority of the match, but did make their feelings about Kean felt throughout the second half. The loss also means that Rovers have not met the reported early season points target of 17 points from their opening 7 matches.

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